Bottled versus Fresh Coconut Water

Once exposed to air, coconut water begins to ferment

The traditional of getting your coconut water fix is extremely simple: climb a coconut palm, hack an immature coconut from the bunch, trim off the husk and chop a hole in the top and then drink. Is packaged coconut water an easier alternative?

Unless you drink coconut water straight from the fresh green coconuts, you're going to struggle to find raw coconut water in packaged form. Some brands are clear and upfront that their coconut water has been pasteurized while others are not so forthcoming.

"RAW coconut water"

It's important to note that not all coconut water is created equal. If you choose to go down the packaged route you need to make sure you're getting organic or chemical free, raw unpastuerized coconut water. If you're buying it in a carton or bottle it's highly likely that your coconut water will have been pasteurised, may not be organic or chemical free and may also contain less nutrients and minerals then the claims written on the package.

It's the nutritional information where many of the coconut water companies have gotten themselves into a spot of bother because they have made claims that coconut water was better for you than it really is and the electrolytes touted by Vitacoco and O.N.E. don't actually match what's in their non-recyclable packaging (their packaing is recyclable but it's a sad fact most people don't generally recycle).

The result, a class action law suit against Vita Coco. According to plaintiff's complaint, Vita Coco coconut water's label falsely claims it contains "15 times the electrolytes found in sports drinks" and "is about hydration." In addition to not containing as many electrolytes, plaintiffs allege the product is no more hydrating than a less expensive sports drink. Plaintiffs also claim that some of the Vita Coco products contain significantly less sodium and magnesium than advertised.

Here are just a few reasons we think you should choose fresh coconuts over coconut water brands such as Beyond, Cocobella and Vitacoco:

Its Natural. Many advocates of pasteurisation state that is saves you from harmful microorganisms and extends the shelf life of the coconut water it comes with a price to pay. It destroys the many inherent healthy properties and naturally occurring enzymes.